Gov. Bill Richardson appointed Daniel Ortega, School of Law research professor, as president of the 15-member board of directors for the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Ortega follows Matt Martínez and Edward Luján as the third board president in the center’s history and will serve a two-year term. Ortega is currently the director of International Law Programs and manages international collaboration projects for UNM's Vice President for Research and Economic Development.
Photo: Daniel Ortega, UNM School of Law research professor
“Daniel Ortega brings a unique combination of experience from the grassroots theater community and the U.S. foreign service to the NHCC board,” Gov. Richardson said. “Daniel is a strong advocate for the preservation and celebration of Hispanic culture in our state and will be a valuable addition to the leadership of the Hispanic Cultural Center.”
"I am honored to accept Gov. Richardson's appointment as president of the NHCC board of directors,” Ortega said. “I look forward to a productive year as the board continues to direct the development of the NHCC and its outreach to the entire state."
"The board is very fortunate that the NHCC Foundation – from which the Center originated – remains a bedrock partner in our efforts,” Ortega said. “Thanks to the collective vision and hard work of center staff and volunteers, and board members of the center and the foundation, as well as the support of the public and elected officials at all levels of government, everyone can now enjoy world-class performances, art exhibits and educational programming year-round at this superb cultural center."
During the 1980's and 1990's, Ortega served as a board president, managing director, and volunteer at La Compañía de Teatro de Alburquerque. His late parents, Arturo and Eloisa Ortega, were among the founders of the Hispanic Cultural Foundation, which later changed its name to the NHCC Foundation.
During President Bill Clinton’s second term, Ortega was a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. He was posted at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid as special assistant to Edward Romero, former ambassador to Spain and Andorra. Ortega worked to strengthen U.S. academic, cultural and trade links with Spain and Andorra, served as liaison between the ambassador’s office and all embassy departments and wrote speeches for the ambassador.
He also directed the ambassador’s numerous initiatives aimed at reviving New Mexico’s historic relationship with Spain. Notable achievements include two long-term institutional links that were established in October 2000: the Prince of Asturias Endowed Chair in Information Science and Technology at UNM and a branch of Spain’s Cervantes Institute at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
In May 2001, the Spanish Government awarded Ortega the Encomienda de la Orden de Isabel la Católica in recognition of his many contributions in support of friendly and cooperative diplomatic relations between Spain and the United States.
“We have been privileged to have individuals like Edward Lujan, Matt Martinez and now Daniel Ortega working to move the center forward,” said Stuart Ashman, secretary of the state, Department of Cultural Affairs. “We feel strongly that this institution is poised to make an important mark in the world’s understanding and appreciation of the Hispano cultural legacy. Daniel, along with his fellow board members and the center’s supporting foundation, will help to make that happen.”
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu